They had struggled to breakdown Limerick’s makeshift back four before Duffy rifled home as Patrick Hoban appealed for a penalty after being hauled down.

Tuesday’s stoppage-time defeat to Shamrock Rovers had brought Dundalk’s club record run of 13 straight league wins to an end.

But they could scarcely have picked better opponents for their next outing.

Stephen Kenny’s side had won all of their last eight outings against the Shannonsiders, netting 30 goals and conceding just three.

Daniel Cleary — in for the banned Seán Hoare — featured prominently in the opening exchanges at both ends of the pitch.

First, his header from a Jamie McGrath corner was easily held by Holland.

Then, he was penalised for a foul on Cian Coleman just outside the box, although referee Rob Rogers and his assistants were not helped in making a call by the barely visible pitch markings.

In any case, the free-kick came to nothing with Shane Tracy’s effort poor and off target.

But Limerick did fare better in open play. They soaked up plenty of pressure and, when the chance arose, broke well and caused the league leaders problems.

Limerick’s wide men provided good support to lone frontman Connor Ellis, firstly when Cleary held up Ellis only for Will Fitzgerald to draw a save out of Gary Rogers.

Then, Karl O’Sullivan tested the Dundalk keeper too. And the visitors could have been in even more trouble soon afterwards when Dylan Connolly pulled down Ellis as Limerick countered.

O’Sullivan had shrugged off Duffy after Killian Brouder had headed a Dundalk header clear and, although Rogers allowed play on and later booked Connolly, the attack petered out.

As the half wore on, Duffy began to have more joy down the left and twice picked out Connolly.

But, first, he could not properly connect with a header and, then, allowed himself to be dispossessed by Coleman as he tried to turn.

The winger did not reappear for the second half with Ronan Murray taking his place.

But before that happened, both sides had an opportunity to go into the break with their noses in front.

Limerick went close first but Rogers made a stunning save to keep out Coleman’s header following a long throw-in from Fitgzerald. Then, from Connolly’s cross, Hoban adjusted himself well.

Holland got a hand to it but it looked like the effort might creep inside the post, but it went just wide.

Dundalk’s personnel change did not result in an immediate improvement and, for a long time, the closest they got to getting their noses in front was when Darren Murphy almost headed a Duffy free-kick into his own net but it went just over the bar.

But as time ticked down, Duffy popped up and served a reminder why Martin O’Neill is keen to get him on board.
SUN STAR MAN: Karl O’Sullivan (Limerick)

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